Electric feeler for drop box looms



Dec. 28, 1937.

L. s. VOSE 2,103,803

ELECTRIC FEELER FOR DROP BOX LOOMS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 18, 1932 qnUentor 1* Leuha $.Uose

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Dec. 28, 1937. 1.. s. VOSE 2,103,803

' ELECTRIC FEELER FOR DROP Box LOOMS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 18, 1932 Snue'ntor kew is S. Uose (liltornex s Den. 28, 1937. v L. s. vosE I ELECTRIC FEELER F OR DROP BOX LOOMS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 18, 1932 Snuentor Lewis 5 Uose Patented Dec. 28, 1937 UNITED STATES ELECTRIC FEELER FOR. DROP BOX LOOMS Lewis S. Vose, Needham, Mass, assignor to Crompton & Knowles Loom Works, Worcester, Mass, a corporation of Massachusetts Application February 18, 1932, Serial No. 593,814

8 Claims.

,This invention relates to an electrical weft detector mechanism usable more particularly in conjunction with the shifting shuttle boxes of a loom.

In shifting shuttle box looms it is customary to operate with several shuttles one of which is active while the others are idle. The shuttles are moved into and out of action by the shifting of the shuttle boxes and it is the general object of -'my present invention to effect the operation of. an electric feeler mechanism by means of the shifting of the boxes,v

Certain box looms are operated with two shuttles each of which is kept active for two successive picks and is then idle for, the next two picks. Such looms are employed either for mixing filling or for weaving crepe, but in either instance, where replenishment of weft is automatic, it is necessary to determine which shuttle is depleted.

LThe detecting mechanism set forth hereinafter is designed primarily for a loom wherein the boxes shift every other pick, although certain features of my invention are not necessarily limited to use on such a loom.

H I am aware that it has been proposed heretofore to effect closure of an electric detecting circuit by the shifting of the shuttle boxes, but in such instances the shuttle has usually been equipped with some form of detector which has engagement with the weft while the shuttle is in flight, thus increasing the tension when that part of weft in engagement with the detector fingers is being unwound. It is accordingly an important object of my present invention to employ an electric detector capable of use with very fine yarns but so disposed as to be out of contact with the weft when the shuttle is in action.

In these previous types of electrical weft detecting mechanism there has been an external control circuit closable at but one point. As a result, detection has been possible on the active shuttle only, but as soon as the boxes complete their shifting movement, the active shuttle is picked. The detector therefore has only a very short time in which to indicate and set the change mechanism. In my present invention, on the other hand, I provide two closures for the circuit external to the shuttles, one closure for each of the two boxes, and thereby permit detection in the inactive shuttle, a procedure which gives ample time for the detector to indicate. This result is accomplished in the present instance by causing the shifting of the boxes to insure opening of the external circuit at one point, while permitting closure of the circuit at the other point if Weft be absent in the shuttle corresponding to said other point.

While it is true that I' employ but one electromagnetic device to be energized by both detectors and this device is capable of being connected directly to either feeler so that there may be considered to exist but one circuit closable at two points, yet for certain other considerations there are present two circuits in the sense that each detector has its own local circuit and can operate the electro-magnetic device independently of the other detector, the main circuit having two branches.

In that adaptation of the invention wherein each shuttle is active for two picks at a time only, the previously mentioned electro-magnetic device operates in conjunction with a regularly mov- 'ing actuator in such a way as to render a change in the operation of the loom, such as replenishment, effective during the first of the pair of picks in which the indicating shuttle is active subsequent to indication. Inthis connection the electro-magnetic device and detector may remain in a closed circuit from the time a depleted shuttle moves to idle position until just before it returns to action. With this arrangement assurance is given that at some time during the period the circuit which is closed inthe shuttle will become effective to actuate the magnetic device.

It is a still further object of my invention to employ .a regularly moving actuator in connection with weft detectors to be operated by shifting shuttle boxes, wherein a latch or the like is normally at rest throughout the detecting operations consequent upon box shifting and wherein the latch is moved into the path of the actuator at such times only as one or another of the detectors indicate weft exhaustion.

It is another object of the invention to delay the time of engagement between the weft of the inactive shuttle and the detector until the endwise movement of the shuttle due to box shifting is completed. The outer point of the shuttle is picks.

appear as the description proceeds, my invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein a convenient embodiment of my invention is set forth,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a 2 x 1 box loom showing the feelers mounted on the left side and replenishing mechanism on the right, the boxes being shown in their low position and the bottom detector being in detecting position,

Fig. 2 is an end elevation taken in the direction of arrow 2, Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a detail horizontal section on line 33, Fig. 1, parts being omitted, showing details of the clutch and locking motion,

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrow,

Fig. 5 is a diagram representing the electric circuit, I

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail of one of the feelers,

Figs. '7, '8 and 9 represent diagrammatically different positions of the indicating mechanism following indication of weft exhaustion,

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing a shunt Wound magnet to retain an indication, and

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the action of the picker in camming the shuttle inwardly during box shift and before detection.

Referring to the drawings, particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, I have shown a loom frame F having a lay L which supports a pair of shifting shuttle boxes B. The latter are mounted on a rod l0 attached by means of a yielding link H to a box lever 12. For the purposes of the present invention it is sufficient to state that lever I2 is operated to hold the boxes in raised position for two picks and then move them to low position for two Certain features of my invention are not confined to use with this type of motion, and they may be employed with any approved form of box motion. The lay is provided with a lay end l3 having the customary box guides M which direct the vertical reciprocations of the boxes.

The top or crank shaft I5 is attached by means of connectors I 5 to the lay tocause the customary back and forth movements of the latter, and a bottom shaft ll, suitably journaled in the frame, may be geared to have a. revolution every two picks of the loom. A motor driven gear I8 is mounted for free rotation on the shaft l5 and a clutch mechanism I9 is employed to establish driving connections between the gear and the shaft. This clutch may be operated through a shipper lever 20 having a forwardly extending pull rod 2| which is attached to a bell crank lever 22. The latter is mounted on a fixed pivot 23 and has the forward end attached to a lifter rod 24. V

The shipper shaft 25 has secured thereto a shipper handle 26 to which the upper end of the link 24 is pivoted, as at 21. The relation of the parts is such that when the shipper handle is pulled forwardly to the right hand position shown in Fig. 2 the loom will be in running condition. The customary brake mechanism 28 may be employed.

Those parts of the mechanism relating more particularly to the automatic features include a ring beveled gear 39 on the motor gear and meshing with a bevel pinion 3!. The latter is secured to the upper end of an upright shaft 32 the lower end of which has secured thereto a worm 33. The shaft 32 is journaled in upper and lower the time of approximately nine picks of the loom.

The type of loom in connection with which my invention is described is' that wherein the lay is brought to rest while the shuttle is changed,

"the loom automatically resuming operations after the exchange of, shuttles is completed. The shuttle changing is effected by a force derived from, the. worm wheel 36 and transmitted throu h the shaft '37 by means of a clutch arm 38. The latter has a finger 39 extended through a dis'k m to enter any one of a plurality of angularly spaced perforations 4|. The disk has a hub 42 secured to shaft 31 and on which the clutch arm or lever 38 is pivoted, as at 43. Since the finger 39 is normally out of the path of the gear ring 36, the latter is free to rotate under ordinary conditions without turning the change shaft 31, but as soon as the finger 39 enters any of the perforations 4| the change shaft will begin to rotate. The compression spring 44 is interposed between the disk and the arm 38 and tends normally to move the finger into engaging relation with the worm wheel.

In order to prevent the spring 44 from establishing driving connections between the worm wheel and the gear I employ a locking mechanism including a fixed bracket 50 to which is pivoted a lock lever 5|, as at 52. This lever has a shoe 53 which normally bears against the forward end 54 of the clutch lever 38, overpowering the spring 44 and thus rendering impossible any accidental engagement between the finger 39 and the worm wheel.

The horizontal inwardly extending arm of the lever 5| is normally held down by the hooked head 55 of a latch 56 movable pivotally about a fixed stud 51 supported preferably by the bracket 50. The latch 56 has a horizontally extending arm 58 pivotally connected as at 59 to a lifting lever 60. The latter is connected to an upwardly extending rod 6! the top of which is pivotally connected as at B2 to a releasing lever 53. A tension spring 64 is interposed between the hub of the latch 56 and the lever 60 to permit lifting of the rod 6| by the lever 63 should the latch 56 be locked against movement in a left hand direction as viewed in Fig. 4.

Alock 65 is pivoted as at 65 to a fixed axis carried by the bracket 50 and has a laterally extending lifting pin '61 which extends over a lifting cam 68. The latter is oscillated on a fixed stud 69 by means of a link 19 the upper end of which is attached to the bell crank lever 22. A cam point H on the lifter cam 68 is normally disposed either in front of or behind the pin 67, but when the shipper handle moves from the on to the off position, said point lifts the pin to raise the locking latch from the normal dotted line position shown in Fig. 4 to the unlocking or releasing full line position shown in saidfigure. If under these conditions release lever 63 is at rest, the hook latch 55 will remain in position to restrain, or hold in looking position, the lock arm 5 l, but if at this time said lever 63 should be rocked to move the hook latch 55 to the left from the position shown in Fig. 4, all restraint will be removed from the part 5| and will enter it to initiate turning of shaft 31.

it will be free to rise by a force exerted by the spring 44. a v v r The finger 39 now moves against the worm wheel, and if opposite one of the openings 4|, If the finger should not be in register with an opening, however, the spring will hold said finger against the worm wheel until one or another of the openings 4| appears in register with the finger, after which rotation of the shaft 31 will commence.

One of the first requirements to permit turning of the shaft is loom stoppage, and this is accomplished by a lug 86 on the shipper handle positioned for engagement with a knock-01f finger 8|. The latter is secured to a stub shaft 82 rotatable in a bearing 83 supported by the loom frame. As shown more particularly in Fig. '1, the release lever 63 is freely rotatable on the stub shaft. An upwardly extending arm 84 fastened to the stub shaft lies in front of arm 85 of the release lever, and a lost motion connection 86 is provided between lever 60 and rod 6|.

The relation of the parts is such that when arm 85 moves to the right'from the position shown in Fig. 2, thearm 84 will be rocked to give the lower endof the release lever 63 an inward upward movement to raise rod 6|. At the same time, finger 8| knocks off the shipper handle to, stop the loom, the cam point II raising the pin 61 to lift lock latch 65. In the meantime, the lost motion connection permits the rod 6| to rise under action of the arm 85. Ordinarily, the parts are timed so that look 55 starts toward unlocking position when the latch 65 is raised, but should rod 6| rise early, spring 64 will stretch to avoid undue pressure between parts 55 and 65. Under these conditions, the lock will snap to release lever 5| as soon as latch 65 is raised by the shipper.

It is apparent from the foregoing that forward movement of arm 85 will be followed almost immediately by rotation of the change shaft 31. The matter thus far described is substantially the same as that found on the so-called Stafford single color shuttle changer loom of the type set forth in Jackson Patent No, 945,722, and it is to be understood that weft replenishing mechanism located at the opposite end of the loom and designated generally at M in Fig. 1 is set into action by the slow rotation of the change shaft 31.

The detector mechanism to be described hereinafter is to be used more particularly in connection with a two-color magazine, and it is to be understood that the change shaft controls this magazine and effects its several operations partly in well-known manner and partly as set forth in my co-pending application Serial No. 603,051. Itis considered sufficient for the purposes of the present description to state that the purpose of the weft detecting mechanism set forth herein is to initiate rotation of the shaft 31, preferably by causing forward movement of arm 85 after which replenishment is effected as set forth in said application.

In carrying my invention into effect I provide two electric weft detectors which are preferably supported directly on the lay end. The top detector 90 is located above the boxes, while the bottom detector BI is below them. Fig. .6 sets forth a, convenient form of detector, having a body 92 of insulating material in which slide two electrodes 93 and 94, respectively. In each feeler or detector a wire 95 connects the electrode 93 to the ground. I

The shuttles are provided with bobbins W or W (Fig. 5) and each having a metal ferrule 96 normally covered by yarn. When sufficient weft is present the ferrule will'be covered, but when the supply of weft is substantially exhausted the ferrule will be exposed. When the boxes shift upwardly to render the topbox inactive the top bobbin W will be brought into engagement with the electrodes of the top feeler 96, the lower detector at this time being out of action. This effect is brought about by the shifting of the boxes and the detectors are preferably fixed to the lay end, the electrodes being free to slide. When the boxes drop, the top bobbin is pulled away from the upper detector and the lower shuttle upon assuming inactive position has its weft carrier W pushed against the lower detecto'r.9|. Inthis way detection is effected'and an uncovered ferrule in the idle shuttle connects the electrodes of the corresponding feeler a short time before the active shuttle is picked. This ordinarily will occur on the backward stroke of the lay during which shifting of the boxes is completed.

As shown in Fig. 5, the bottom weft supply is exhausted and the ferrule thereof is in contact with the needles of the lower feeler 9|. Under these conditions current will flow from the source of electric power P, over wire I00, through a hand-operated switch I03 mounted on the breast beam of the loom, through wire I02 to an electromagnetic device I6I, through the latter to wire I04, wire I65, electrode 94, lower ferrule 96, electrode 93, wire95 to the ground, and back from the ground through wire I66 to the opposite pole of the source of power P. Current flowing in this circuit will energize the electro-magnetic device IIlI the effect of which is to tend to lift a control link I61 and control latch I08 connected thereto.

In a similar manner current is caused to flow through the electro-magnet if weft be depleted in the upper shuttle, current in this instance flowing through another circuit the greater part of which is common, to the one already traced, the difference being that current flows from wire I64 to wire I09 through the upper feeler and ferrule, and then through the wire 95 corresponding to said upper feeler to the ground. In this way there are provided two circuits which have certain devices in common, there being one circuit for each feeler. It might also be considered that there is one main circuit external to the shuttles which is closable at two points. The effect of closure of the circuit through either feeler is to energize the electro-magnet IOI.

As previously stated the loom operates in such a way that a shuttle is active for two picks and then inactive for the next pair of picks, and indication of exhaustion takes place when a shuttle moves to inactive position. Since it is this shuttle which must be replaced or replenished on the opposite side of the loom, it is necessary to employ delay mechanism effective to causeactuation of the magazine when the depleted shuttle reaches the magazine end. This magazine may be of the type as set forth in my previously mentioned co-pending application, or it may be a single color magazine, should the loom be employed merely for mixing filling. The delay mechanism is shown structurally in Figs/1 and 2, and diagrammatically in Figs. '7}, 8 and 9.

The bottom shaft II has secured thereto in adjusted angular position a cam III] which coacts with an actuator lever III rocking about a fixed pivot II2. Upstanding from said lever is an arm 3 having an actuator H4 in the form ,Vice II.

of a lug the forward part of which may be pointed, as indicated in the drawings. The cam gives the actuator a two-pick motion, which may be considered as comprising actuating, non-actuating, and return strokes.

The actuating stroke may begin when the actuator is substantially in the position shown in V Fig. '7, with the lug overlying the control latch I08 so that the rearwardly facing notch H5 of said latch lies behind the lug. As a result of this relation, the actuating stroke of the actuator normally starts at a point in advance of the position where said lug can enter the notch H5. The lug and notch are in this position, as shown in Fig. 7, when the electro-magnetic deviceis actuated. Continued running of the loom moves the actuator forwardly from the start of the actuating stroke to the position shown in Fig. 9.

At the completion of the actuating stroke, th weight of the lever H I moves the lug rearwardly on the non-actuating stroke until said lug reaches the position shown in Fig. 8. Subsequently, the lug has a return stroke which restores it to the starting position of the actuating stroke shown in Fig. '7.

The cam as shown herein is of such form that the return stroke and the working or actuating stroke constitute a continuous movement of the actuator, although in certain forms of my invention which have gone into successful'use a dwell has been produced in the forward movement of the actuator, making the return and actuating strokes non-continuous. As set forth herein the dwell occurs when the actuator is in extreme rear position, but I do not wish to be limited to any specific form of actuator cam, inasmuch as it is sufficient for the successful operation of my detector mechanism if the actuator has moved beyond a position where it can engage or enter notch H5 by the time the electro-magnetic device is energized.

Referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, and assuming that exhaustion has been indicated in the bottom I shuttle with consequent energization of the device IOI, the actuator H4 will move forwardly as already described on an idle actuating stroke, the latch being held upwardly against the bottom of the lug by continued energization of the de- This start of the working or actuating stroke is during the backward movement of the lay during which shifting of the boxes is completed, the same backward lay motion in which closure of the circuit, through the inactive shuttle occurs. After the actuator has completed its forward motion, it will move rearwardly on the non-actuating or non-working stroke. As soon as the lug reaches a position behind the notch H5, the latch I08 will be raised to the position shown in Fig. 8, due to continued stress on the latch. The return stroke of the actuator,

which may occur during the next shifting of the shuttle boxes, will be completed before the box shift is completed. Inasmuch as at this time the actuator has entered the notch, the control latch is moved forwardly to rock the arm 85, and by relations already described such movement initiates rotation of the shaft 37.

Since the working stroke occurs on alternate picks, the rocking of arm 85 comes on that pick of the loom when the exhausted shuttle is moving toward the magazine. The arm 85 is not rocked until the picking of the shuttle is complete and in this connection it may be noted that three shuttle picking operations will ordinarily occur.

between closure of the circuit through an empty shuttle, and rocking of the shipper handle to stop the loom.

If the .electro-magnetic device he of a simple type, such as depends for its continued energizationupon closure of the circuit by an uncovered ferrule, the return stroke can be so timed as to effect inter-engagement between, the actuator and the notch H5 before the boxes have moved far enough in their shifting movement to break the contact at the depleted bobbin. The particular shape of actuator and notch set forth herein favors such a timing of the return stroke of the actuator. There can be used, however, shunt magnets, which are effective to maintain their energization after the initial flow of current through them is interrupted, and in certain instances I have used magnets of this type.

Shunt magnets have the added advantage of shunting the current around the feeler, thus allowing the feeler circuit to be broken or interrupted without arcing at the feeler tips.

Where a shunt wound magnet is employed the switch I03 may be under control of the shipper handle 26 so that when the latter moves to stopping position the energizing circuit will be broken. One advantage of this arrangement is that a 100m may be stopped overnight with the detector in contact with an uncovered ferrule without consuming electric energy. It is also to beunderstood that at the conclusion of the shuttle changing operation the shipper handle is moved back to running position by mechanism not shown but well understood in the art, so that the switch I03 will again be closed before the boxes have an opportunity to shift. In this way the sourceof electric power is not required to maintain the magnet energized during the shuttle changing operations, and also, there is no risk that a second indication will be lost. For the reasons mentioned two successive transfers can take place even though the circuit be broken during actual shuttle change or replenishment.

In Fig. 10 I illustrate a form of shunt wound magnet which can be used to retain an indication once given by the detector. This figure is similar to Fig. 5. The solenoid I20 has armature IZI which is grounded by wire=l22 and is adapted for engagement with a contact I23. The latter is connectedby wire I 24 to that pole of the magnet III! that is connected to the feeler by wire I04 and the contact is in position to engage the armature I2 I. When current first flows through either of the two circuits previously traced the magnet IOI will be energized, current flowing through coil I25 to attract armature I2I, whereupon the latter will engage the contact I23. Current will then flow as follows: battery P, wire I00, switch I03, wire I02, magnet IOI, coil I25, wire I04, wire I24, contact I23, armature IZI, wire 22 to the ground, and up from the ground through wire I06 to battery P. Current flowing in this circuit will maintain the magnet IBI energized so long as switch I03 is closed.

Circuits similar to those just traced can safely be used in looms where the lay is stopped for replenishment, inasmuch as under these conditions the switchld can be opened at the time of replenishmernt to break the retaining circuit. The magnet will therefore become deenergized and repeated transfers avoided.

Reference to Fig. 11 shows the relation between the picker, the shuttles as they are shifted to and from active position, and the detector.

The picker I39 will ordinarily have a pocket l3] into which the outer point of the shuttle extends. The parts-assume the position shown in Fig. 11 at the time of boxing, the top shuttle lye ing somewhat beyond the lower shuttle. -When the boxes shift, the shuttle will rise from the position shown, the top shuttle being cammed inwardly, or to the right After the endwise or V longitudinal movement of the top shuttle is completed, it will present its weft to the top feeler, and not until then. v

Insome boxlooms, the inactive shuttle is held against improper outward movement by guides I32 and I33 above and below the picker, respectively. Cam faces I34 are customarily used to complete any placing of the shuttle which might be needed so it can be returned to correct position relatively to the picker when becoming active. Anymovement induced by these cam faces, however, will be substantially completed before the feeler engages the yarn. The picker is preferably set as shown in Fig. llwith the inner edge, I35 substantially aligned with the vertical parts of the guides, thereby necessitating very little, if any, additional motion of the shuttle beyond that received from the picker.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have provided a simple form of electrical detector for a box loom, the detectors being rendered oper-.

ative to control the-loom by the shifting move.-

' ment of the boxes, The electrical detectors are of such type that they are out of contact withthe weft when the shuttle is active so that there is no opportunity for. the detector to vary the tension by interfering with the unwinding of the yarn, nor is there opportunity for the detector to abrade the yarn when the shuttle is brought tov restsuddenly at the completion of its flight. These advantages grow out of the fact that the detector has no. engagement with the active shuttle. Furthermore, the shift of the boxes in the type of loom set forth herein will ordinarily present the yarn to the detector at a slower rate of speed than that which exists when contact between the detector and weft is'effected by forward movement of the lay. It is also seen that although that part of the control circuit which depends upon the condition of weft is closed at about the time a shuttle reaches inactive position, yet the indication is retained and used to renew the exhausted weft.

The particular form of loom to which my detector has been applied arrests movement of the lay in order to bring about an exchange of shuttles at the magazine end, but this cessation of weaving need not cause the loss of an indication of weft exhaustion which may be given by a depleted shuttle which is inactive when the other shuttle is being replaced at the magazine end of the loom. In other words, two successive transfers may take place and the relation of the parts is such that the discontinuance of loom operation to effect the first transfer does not cause loss of the second indication. This retention of the second indication is also effective on those looms where lay operation is continuous and not interrupted to cause transfer.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be seen that the improvements comprehend mechanism by which the parts and connections are greatly simplified so that the speed of the loom can be greatly increased, which is the aim of modern practice.

The mounting of the electric detectors on the lay without operating connections provides the simplest arrangementpossiblaas there is nothing. on the lay ,to-shake loose. I

Detecting into the upper shuttle when inactive and int-o the lower shuttle when inactive, whereby detectingl takes place only in an inactive shuttle, gives plenty of time to set the mechanism even if the loom is running ata very high speed. 5 .a:

By arranging each detector so that it will have no movement relatively to the lay, except that imparted by the contacting of the weft or cop therewith, and accomplishing the detection entirely by the up and-down movement of the box,

without independent movement of. the detectors,

lay electrically connected to a controller for the weft changer. V e t Having thus described my invention it will be seen that changes and modifications may be made therein by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and I do not wish to be limited to the details herein disclosed, but what I claim is:

1. In weftdetecting and loom stopping mesh-'- anism, alaymovable back and forth, shifting shuttle boxes each to be in active position for two successive picks only at a time, an actuator having aworking stroke at two pickintervals, an

electric-detector for each shuttle box, and means rendered effective by theactuator during the second backward movement of the lay afterindication ofweft exhaustion in a shuttle moving to inactive position to arrest the lay when-the latter is in rear position. i 2. In weft detecting and loom stopping mech-' anism, a lay movable back and forth, shifting shuttle boxes each to be in active position for two successive picks only at a time, an actuator having a workingstroke at two pick intervals; an electric detector for each shuttle box, and means rendered effective by the joint action of the working strokeof the actuator and the detector corresponding to the shuttle box moving to inactive position'to stop the lay on the second backward movement thereof following indica tion of weft exhaustion in the shuttle movin to inactive position. 3. In a weft detecting and loom stopping mechanism, a lay having forward and backward movements, a two-cell shifting shuttle box hav-' ing a shifting movement every second forward beat of the lay, an electric weft detector above the shifting shuttle boxes to detect condition of weft in the upper cell when the shuttle box shifts to render said cell inactive, a second electrical weft detector below the shifting boxes to detect the condition of weft in the bottom cell when the latter is rendered inactive by an opposite shift of the shuttle box, an actuator having a two-pick movement with a working stroke occurring during the backward movement of the lay accompanying shifting of the shuttle box, and means rendered effective by the joint action of a detector indicating exhaustion of an inactive shuttle and the working stroke of the actuator occurring on the stroke of the lay when the shuttle next shifts to cause loom stoppage when the exhausted inactive shuttle becomes active.

4. In a weft detecting and loom stopping mechanism, a lay having forward and backward movements, a two-cell shifting shuttle box having a shifting movement every second forward beat of the lay, an electric weft detector above the shifting shuttle boxes to detect condition of weft in'the upper cellwhen the shuttle box shifts to render said cell inactive, a second electrical weft detector below the shifting boxes to detect the condition of weft in the bottom cell when the latter is rendered inactive by an opposite shift of the shuttle box, an actuator having a twopick movement with a working stroke occurring during the backward movement of the lay accompanying shifting of the shuttle box, an electro-magnetic device to be actuated upon completion of a shifting of the shuttle box when a detector indicates substantial exhaustion, the actuator being out of cooperating position with respect to the device when indication is given and having the working stroke thereof inde pendent of said device on the backward stroke of the lay accompanyingindication of weft exhaustion, and means effective when the actuator has its next working stroke to cause coaction between the actuator and device to cause a change in the operation of the loom.

5. In a weft detecting and loom stopping mechanism, a lay having forward and backward' movements, a two-cell shifting shuttle box having a shifting movement every second forward beat of the lay, an electric weft detector above the shifting shuttle boxes todetect the condition of weft in the upper cell when the latter is inactive, a second electrical weft detector below the shifting boxes to detect the condition of weft in the bottom cell when the latter is inactive,- an actuator having an actuating stroke during the backward movement of the lay accompanying shifting of the boxes, said actuator thereafter having a non-actuating stroke and then a return stroke to restore said actuator to a position preparatory to the beginning of the actuating stroke, an electro-magnetic means under the control of either detector capable of having cooperative relation with the actuator during said return stroke only and at weft exhaustion in either cell, the actuator being inposition to begin the actuating stroke thereof when the electro-magnetic means is energized, said actuator and means effective to cause a change in the operation of the loom.

6. In a weft detecting and loom "stopping is inactive, a second electrical weft detector below the shifting boxes to: detect the condition of weft in the bottom cell when the latter is in active, an actuator having an actuating stroke during the backward movement of the lay accompanying shifting of the boxes, said actuator thereafter having a non-actuating stroke and then a return stroke to restore said actuator to a position preparatory .to the beginning of the actuating stroke, an electro-magnetic means under the control of either feeler to have cooperative relation with the actuator during said return stroke only, the actuator being in position tobegin the actuating; stroke thereof when the electro-magnetic means is energized, said actuato-r and means effective to stop the lay on the rearward movement thereof.

7. In a loom, the combination of the lay having shifting shuttle boxes at one end adapted to receive a plurality of alternately active shuttles, with a feeler for detecting the condition of the filling supply in the inactive shuttle, a member moving in a fixed path, a latch operative to effect a predetermined change in the operation of the loom, said latch being normally positioned out of the path of thesaid member, latch moving means under control of the said feeler tending to move the latch into the path of the moving member when the feeler detects substantial exhaustion of the filling supply, and member actuating means for moving the said member along the said path, said last mentioned means being timed relative to the movement of the latch by the latch moving means to. cause the member to be positioned beyond the point where it can operatively engage the latch when the latter is first moved from its normal position.v V

8. In a loom, the combination of the lay having shifting shuttle boxes at one end adapted to receive a plurality of. alternately active shut tles, with a filling feeler for detecting the condition of the filling supply in one of said shuttles, a member moving in a fixed path, a latch operative to eiTect a predetermined change in the operation of the loom, said latch being normally out of the path of the said member, means under control of the said feeler for urging the latch into the path of the member, and meansineludingv a cam for moving the said member through one complete cycle for each two picks, the said cam being timed to position the moving member beyond the point where it can strike the latch when the latter is'first moved from its normal position.

LEWIS S. VOSE. 

